Gymnast Suni Lee Wins ESPY Best Comeback After Kidney Disease, Paris Medals

Olympic gymnast Suni Lee was honored with the 2025 ESPY Award for Best Comeback Athlete, recognizing her remarkable return to elite competition after being diagnosed with two rare kidney diseases that ended her collegiate career at Auburn in 2023. Despite doubts and physical challenges, including significant weight gain and swelling that temporarily hindered her gymnastics abilities, Lee persevered and won three medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics: gold with Team USA and bronze in the individual all-around and uneven bars, bringing her career total to six Olympic medals. She credited her resilience and determination, stating that no setback can stop someone who refuses to quit, and publicly thanked her doctor who supported her throughout her journey. Lee also captivated fans with her appearance in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit and shared moments from her recovery and celebration on social media, including a recent swimsuit photo from Thailand. Her comeback story was celebrated not only by fans but also fellow athletes nominated alongside her, highlighting her inspirational role in sports and beyond. Lee’s journey from hospital beds to Olympic podiums underscores a powerful message of fighting adversity and proving one's worth.